Health reform

What’s New for 2019 Marketplace Enrollment? Get Ready for Updated, Improved Navigator Resource Guide

Posted October 18, 2018 by CHIR Faculty

On November 1, the sixth open enrollment period begins for marketplace coverage under the Affordable Care Act. We at CHIR will soon re-launch our updated Navigator Resource Guide, which provides information on recent policy changes, a list of enrollment tools for consumers and assisters, and answers to hundreds of frequently asked questions. To learn what’s new for 2019, read our CHIRBlog summarizing the major policy changes consumers might encounter this year.

Proposed “Public Charge” Rule Risks Immigrants’ Access to Private Coverage, Too

Posted October 11, 2018 by

A federal proposal would make it more difficult for immigrants to obtain a green card if they’ve received certain public benefits like Medicaid. Although the policy doesn’t include the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits in its list of public benefits, there are several ways the proposed rule could place immigrants’ access to private coverage at risk. Sabrina Corlette takes a look.

Lawmakers had a Chance to Provide Relief from Surprise Medical Bills – and Whiffed It

Posted September 27, 2018 by CHIR Faculty

Although health care costs and surprise medical bills top the list of voters’ concerns this election season, Congress recently whiffed a chance at curbing one of the most egregious balance billing practices: excessive charges from air ambulance providers. CHIR’s Sabrina Corlette and Maanasa Kona review the latest legislative action.

When Policy and Politics Conflict: Challenges to State-level Market Stabilization Efforts

Posted September 14, 2018 by

Within the last month, Delaware has adopted two policies with diametrically different effects on their small business insurance market. One would help make the market stronger and more stable, the other would do the opposite. CHIR’s Sabrina Corlette delves into some of the challenges facing states seeking to stabilize their health insurance markets during a time of considerable policy upheaval.

Next Effort to Repeal ACA Would Likely Look Like Last One

Posted September 13, 2018 by Edwin Park

Congressional Republicans plan to pursue another attempt at repealing the Affordable Care Act next year if they maintain control of Congress after the midterm elections in November. Our Center for Children & Families colleague Edwin Park delves into what this would mean for Medicaid and insurance protections for people with pre-existing conditions.

Short-term, Limited Duration Insurance Final Rule: Summary and State Options

Posted August 2, 2018 by

The Trump administration has finalized a new federal definition of short-term, limited duration insurance. In a new post for the State Health & Value Strategies project, CHIR’s Sabrina Corlette summarizes the final rule and outlines the policy and regulatory options for states wishing to protect consumers and stabilize their insurance markets.

To Understand How Consumers Are Faring in the Individual Health Insurance Markets, Watch the States

Posted July 20, 2018 by Justin Giovannelli

Through both inaction and design, federal policymakers have put the onus on states to ensure access to affordable, adequate health insurance. In a new work for The Commonwealth Fund, CHIR researchers are launching an interactive map that will track and describe state actions likely to affect residents’ access to individual market coverage.

Look Past the Jargon and the Trump Administration’s Risk Adjustment Decision Ultimately Hurts People with Pre-existing Conditions

Posted July 11, 2018 by

The Trump administration recently decided to suspend payments under an obscure Affordable Care Act program called risk adjustment. The issue is technical and full of jargon, but at bottom it’s about undermining protections for people with pre-existing conditions. CHIR’s Sabrina Corlette explains why.

What’s in the Association Health Plan Final Rule? Implications for States

Posted June 25, 2018 by

The Trump administration has released new rules to expand the availability of association health plans that are exempt from many of the Affordable Care Act’s consumer protections. In her latest article for State Health & Value Strategies’ Expert Perspectives blog, CHIR’s Sabrina Corlette covers key provisions of the new policy and digs into the implications for states, insurance markets, and the consumers and small businesses that purchase private coverage.